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Kenny Burns (radio host)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kenny Burns (born October 29, 1972) 20-plus-year career has organically woven across the entertainment,[1] music, fashion, spirits,[2] radio, television, and marketing industries. He is a multi-media entertainer with behind-the-camera production prowess, a spirits investor, and a consumer brand and experiential marketing strategist - ideating and facilitating impactful consumer and company experiences for lasting connections.

Early life

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Burns attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., before attending Morris Brown College. At Morris Brown, he founded promotions company "2620 Music", which introduced music artists Outkast, Jay Z and Notorious B.I.G. to the Atlanta music scene.

Career

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In 2004, Burns partnered with Derek Dudley and Ryan Glover to launch men's clothing line Ryan Kenny; it landed them in Black Enterprise's February 2005 issue for the 75 Most Powerful Blacks in Corporate America.[3] In 2005, Burns founded record label Studio 43,[4] signing Wale as his first artist.[5]

Burns served as Senior Vice President of Brand Development for Combs Enterprises,[6] the entrepreneurial arm of entertainment mogul Sean Combs. Brands included Ciroc Vodka, Sean John, Bad Boy, REVOLT TV, Combs Wine and Spirits, AQUA Hydrate, DeLeón Tequila and Enyce.[7]

In 2017, Burns expanded his business portfolio by investing in and advising Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the award winning and fastest-growing American Whiskey in US history.[8][9] In 2021, Burns acquired ownership in the Haitian cremas inspired LS Cream Liqueur. In 2022, Burns partnered with Spearhead Group, the first African-made spirits company, which produced Vusa Vodka and Bayab Gin.[10]

References

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  1. ^ Complex. "PROMO: Kenny Burns: Making Black History Every Day". Complex. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  2. ^ Atlanta producer and brand developer on why entrepreneurs are thriving in the region - Atlanta Business Chronicle (bizjournals.com)
  3. ^ "Kenny Burns Talks Revolt TV, Working with Diddy and Being the 'Lifestyle Specialist'". Black Enterprise. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  4. ^ "Former Roc-A-Fella Exec Kenny Burns Launches New Label". Hip-Hop News, Rumors, Rap Music & Videos |AllHipHop. 7 April 2006. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  5. ^ "Rising Icons » Tastemaker: Kenny Burns". uptownmagazine.com. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  6. ^ "WATCH: Kenny Burns & Black Enterprise Celebrate the 'Good Life'". Black Enterprise. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  7. ^ "Combs Enterprises |". www.combsenterprises.com. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  8. ^ "best in category 2023 – ASCOT | Awards". Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  9. ^ "2023 Awards | Whiskey Tasting Events". www.whiskiesoftheworld.com. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  10. ^ Burns, Kenny. "Kenny Burns - The "Lifestyle Specialist"". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2024-03-13.